BBC features artist who painted portraits of Aberfan disaster victims

The BBC reported that painted portraits created in the aftermath of the Aberfan disaster helped bring comfort to grieving families across the Welsh village. An artist living far away painted the artworks using faded school photographs and detailed letters written by parents. [1]

Parents sent letters to the artist describing the physical traits and personalities of their lost children. According to the BBC, the resulting portraits have hung in living rooms and hallways across Aberfan for almost 60 years. [1]

On 21 October 1966, the village of Aberfan suffered a major catastrophe when 150,000 cubic metres of colliery waste flowed downhill. The debris avalanche engulfed Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes, killing 144 people, including 116 schoolchildren aged mostly 7 to 10. [3]

An official inquiry by the Aberfan Disaster Tribunal placed full blame on the National Coal Board for negligence. The tribunal concluded that the disaster was caused by a complete absence of tipping policy and a disregard for safety. [3]

The BBC reported that the story of the portraits and their impact on the community is featured in a new television programme. [1]